Million rooftops: A bright spot from the industrial hub

As Dong Nai advances toward becoming a centrally governed city, one pressing challenge it faces is ensuring adequate housing for hundreds of thousands of residents and workers. The development of social housing is not merely a matter of social welfare; rather, it serves as a strategic lever to stabilize the labor force, improve urban quality, and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth.

Through a proactive, methodical, and decisive approach, the province has not only exceeded targets assigned by the central government but is also gradually shaping a leading model for social housing development.

PART 1: OPENING THE DOOR TO STABLE HOUSING FOR LOW-INCOME EARNERS

Social housing development is a major policy imbued with strong humanitarian values by the Party and the State, aimed at securing housing for low-income groups and vulnerable communities. Beyond its welfare significance, this sector also contributes to advancing social equity and progress, forming an essential foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.

A high-rise social housing project in Ho Nai ward, Dong Nai Province.

Drawing on government schemes and National Assembly resolutions, hundreds of thousands of social housing units have been gradually implemented nationwide, helping turn the aspiration of stable housing into reality for a large segment of the population.

When housing is scarce, so are mechanisms

One of the most pressing issues in major urban centers, including Dong Nai, is the shortage of affordable housing. This challenge, if left unresolved, could hinder socio-economic growth.

Nguyen Van Tuan, a worker at Thong Quan Viet Duc Joint Stock Company (JSC) in Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park, Tran Bien ward, shared that while stable employment is important, housing remains a constant concern. From his single days to raising a family with two young children, he has continued to live in a cramped rented room. At one point, his family of four had to make do with a space of just over 20 square meters, while costs rose each year and living conditions saw little improvement.

“I hope there will be more worker housing and social housing projects near industrial parks so that low-income earners can have a chance to settle down in the long term,” he said.

Sharing a similar situation, Luong Thi Quynh, a primary school teacher in Tran Bien ward, noted that her family has been renting for nearly a decade. Although she hopes to purchase a social housing unit, opportunities have remained elusive. In 2024, she applied for one, but due to overwhelming demand, allocation was determined by lottery, and she was unsuccessful.

“I continue to follow new project announcements in the hope of securing a home in the near future,” she added.

The pressure is not limited to industrial workers; young employees in public institutions also face significant housing challenges. Moreover, as infrastructure projects are implemented, many households whose land has been acquired are not yet eligible for resettlement, further intensifying demand for social housing. In reality, Dong Nai currently meets only a small fraction of total demand across different target groups.

Tran Thi Thu Huong, a resident of Tam Phuoc ward, said her family once owned both house and land and had a stable life, never considering social housing. However, when their land was reclaimed for the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway project, they no longer qualified for resettlement, creating an urgent need for new accommodation. With commercial housing prices rising beyond affordability, social housing has become the most viable option for them to stabilize their lives.

The shortage of affordable housing is therefore not merely an individual concern but a broader challenge in urban and industrial development. Without timely and effective solutions, the consequences for social welfare, workforce quality, living standards, and investment attractiveness will become increasingly evident.

Construction of a social housing project in Long Thanh commune.

Major policies opening the way

In response to this urgent need, in April 2023, the government approved a scheme to build at least 1 million social housing units for low-income earners and industrial park workers over the 2021–2030 period. Since then, a series of synchronized mechanisms and policies have been introduced at both central and local levels.

Priority has been given to revising and refining key laws directly related to the sector, including the Law on Housing, the Law on Real Estate Business, and the Land Law. At the same time, resolutions, directives, decisions, and official dispatches have been issued promptly, while working groups from the Government, the Ministry of Construction, and provincial and municipal authorities have been set up to urge implementation and remove obstacles during the rollout process.

According to the Government, social housing development represents a strong political commitment and a key task for the entire political system. It is not only a matter of social welfare but also a driver of socio-economic growth, contributing to social progress and equity.

To ensure effective implementation, the government holds quarterly nationwide online meetings with localities and businesses to monitor progress, gather feedback, and issue timely directives. Following each round of discussions, the number of projects launched and completed has increased significantly, gradually easing housing pressure.

Representatives of a bank, the investor of a social housing project in Long Hung ward, and homebuyers sign loan agreements. Photo: Hoang Loc

In Dong Nai, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Vo Tan Duc emphasized that social housing development is both an urgent and long-term strategic task. Beyond ensuring social welfare, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing the workforce, improving human resource quality, and enhancing the province’s competitiveness. Integrating social housing development with synchronized planning also contributes to urban renewal, efficient land use, and greater investment appeal.

From a business perspective, Van Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chuong Duong Homeland JSC, currently developing a project of nearly 1,100 apartments in Dong Nai, said that social housing policies carry not only economic significance but also profound humanitarian value by placing the housing needs of workers and vulnerable groups at the center.

“We are implementing social housing projects based on green standards, from design and materials to living spaces. Throughout the process, we are committed to ensuring progress, complying with environmental and fire safety regulations, and closely coordinating with authorities to ensure the right beneficiaries have access,” he said.

Taken together, strong political will and an increasingly comprehensive policy framework are gradually opening the door to stable housing for low-income earners and workers. Nevertheless, for these policies to translate into tangible outcomes, more concrete solutions, flexible approaches, and stronger coordination among authorities, localities, and businesses will be required.

According to the Department of Construction, by the end of 2025, total demand for social housing in Dong Nai was estimated at 600,000–650,000 people, equivalent to 150,000–160,000 units. Of this, industrial park workers account for around 450,000 people, with the remainder comprising freelance workers, civil servants, and other low-income groups.

By H. Loc – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho